A newly-elected commissioner insists he will represent the people of Ramsey will integrity - despite the ribald comments he made about women which emerged in an employment tribunal case.
William Hankin was last month elected uncontested to Ramsey’s south ward - one of 10 candidates who were able to secure a seat at the town hall without going to the polls.
Eight years ago, Mr Hankin, of Albert Street, Ramsey, appeared as a witness in an employment tribunal case while he was working as a coach driver for Protours.
A female bus driver won her case for unfair dismissal against Protours but lost her claim for sex discrimination.
Giving evidence on oath, Mr Hankin admitted using a term of Army slang to refer to his colleague’s breasts. He also admitted telling her: ‘I’d do you, I’d f*** a frog if I could stop it hopping’.
The tribunal accepted the remarks were part of workplace banter with which the female driver readily participated.
Mr Hankin told the tribunal that his frog comment was said in a lighthearted amusing manner and was not directed at his colleague and was meant to show he ‘really wasn’t fussy’.
Commissioner Hankin told the Examiner: ‘I am neither ignorant or sexist.
‘As this happened some eight years ago and to be honest I had forgotten all about the matter which occurred in a workplace environment and was banter within that workplace environment,
‘If you read the tribunal report and findings you will find that this banter is a two-way thing. I can assure you I have nothing but the utmost respect for women and would not condone such statements as the norm.’
He added: ‘I spent a good part of 10 years in the 1970s in the army serving on the streets of Northern Ireland alongside female soldiers and a major part of my service working under female officers with no problems.
‘I can assure you that I do not condone this behaviour or these type of comments and I can assure the people of Ramsey that they can trust my integrity and honesty.’
* A by-election will be held on June 14 to fill the two remaining seats in Ramsey’s south ward. Deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday May 19.